The US market will likely have a pilot shortage, over 30,000 regional pilots by 2030s. One factor creating the pilot shortage is the FAA-mandated retirement age. The only way to keep the airline’s flight line staffed is by hiring as many new pilots as those retiring. The issue is even more pressing because many pilots took early retirement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduced an already shrinking workforce greatly, and the aviation industry wound up bouncing back quicker than early estimates predicted it would.
It’s now more common for airline pilots to come from a civilian path, paying their way through flight school and becoming commercial pilots. Most will work as a flight instructor while building enough flight time to be eligible for the ATP certificate. Mainline airlines nearly always recruit pilots from these smaller carriers, so the regionals are left scrambling to find new hires. Most pilots consider a position at a regional carrier to be a stepping stone toward a mainline airline, so they’re more than happy to move up if the opportunity presents itself. Retaining pilots is especially difficult for regionals, who must rely on a steady flow of pilots leaving flight school.
Thrust Flight is a proprietary educational institution offering a variety of aviation training courses. Its purpose is to train students to be safe, confident, and disciplined aviators – not just “pilots.” The Thrust career programs are targeted to prepare graduates to gain entry level positions as flight crew personnel and/or flight instructors through education and training that meets or exceeds guidelines as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and industry standards. Effective communication and professionalism are stressed in every course offered. Thrust Flight offers extensive education and training in the classroom, in approved flight simulation devices, and in modern aircraft. Instructors are highly qualified professionals fully credentialed by the FAA.
Thrust Flight use fully motion Redbird Simulators and brand new Piper Archers for its Addison and Conroe locations. Each aircraft features full glass cockpits, G-1000 avionics, and air conditioning.
What sets us apart from other flight schools mainly is the culture and atmosphere. Thrust is more of a family where everyone supports and encourages one another. These other pilot factory flight schools are just that, pilot factories that are quite impersonal. There you are just a number and not a member of the family. At Thrust, we spend a ton of time in group ground school settings. Training looks like this…2-3 hours of group ground schooling and 2-3 hours of flying 5-6 days per week. Some days it’s one or the other and some days it’s both. Actually most big box “pilot factory” flight schools send you home with books and materials and it’s mostly self-study so you are on your own. Many of these flight schools don’t seem to care if you pass or fail while Thrust takes an active interest in the success of our students.
Located just north of Dallas, Thrust’s Addison campus is its most popular location with the highest number of students training in an area known for having the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. Its newest Conroe location is the newest addition to Thrust Flight, perfect blend for those seeking versatility in their flight training experience, with a balance of urban amenities and the freedom of open skies for optimal flight practice. Thrust Flight utilizes Galaxy FBO facilities and services in both airports. For a list of all Addison and Conroe based flight schools, click here.
You are cleared to Take Off! Choosing the right flight school is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a pilot.
Here are some steps to help you pick the right flight school:
- Decide what type of pilot you want to become (private, commercial, airline transport, etc.) and whether you want to pursue fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. Different flight schools may specialize in different areas.
- Research flight schools in your area or in locations you’re willing to travel to. Use online resources, directories, and recommendations from other pilots to create a list of potential schools.
- Ensure that the flight school is accredited by the appropriate aviation authority in your country, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Accreditation is an important indicator of quality and safety standards.
- Visit the school! This will give you a chance to see the facilities, meet the instructors, and get a feel for the school’s culture and environment.
- Talk to current and former students: Speak with current and former students to gather insights into their experiences with the school. Ask about the quality of instruction, aircraft maintenance, and overall satisfaction.
- Ensure that the flight school has a well-maintained and up-to-date fleet of aircraft. The variety and condition of aircraft available can affect your training experience.
- Check Instructor qualifications: Instructors play a vital role in your training. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can greatly impact your learning experience.
- Research the school’s safety record and accident history. A good safety record is a strong indicator of a well-managed flight school.
- Compare the cost of training at different schools. Consider not only the hourly rates for aircraft and instruction but also additional costs such as ground school, materials, and examination fees.
- Consider the school’s location in terms of accessibility, weather conditions, and the availability of other resources like accommodation and transportation. Texas airports are ideal for year-around flight training.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right flight school for your aviation journey.
Houston Area Flight Schools at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport
- American Flyers
- ATP
- Coast Flight Training
- US Aviation Academy
- Five X Five Flight
- The Helicopter School
- High Performance Aviation
- Tidal Aviation
- Thrust Flight
Dallas Area Flight Schools at Addison Airport
AOPA Pilot Information Center – Finding the Right Flight Instructor
Runway incursions remain a serious concern nationally. Conroe North Houston Regional Airport is conducting its annual Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) meeting on May 9, 2024 at Galaxy FBO. (more…)
Galaxy FBO Advantages at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO)
- The largest uninterrupted ramp and secure hangar storage space
- Arrival / Departure Aircraft Canopy
- IS-BAH Stage I Certified
- Air Elite by World Fuel – Diamond location
- Crew & Rental Cars onsite
- Black Walnut Cafe – Restaurant onsite
CAA promotes contract pricing for Part 91 general aviation, serving large corporate flight departments with fleets of aircraft, individual owner-operators and aircraft management companies. CAA members currently enjoy special pricing at the Galaxy FBO’s Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO).
Thank you for considering Galaxy as the Preferred Corporate Aircraft Association FBO at KADS and KHOU earlier this year. While we firmly believe Galaxy has received many qualifying votes for our extremely competitive bid, existing Preferred CAA FBOs at KHOU and KADS remain unchanged.
The 51st annual PRASE (Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment) Survey by the Professional Pilot Magazine just announced winners today, featuring Galaxy FBO as the winner on several categories.
- Galaxy FBO was named the ‘Best Small FBO Chain’ for the second time in two years. The PRASE survey participants rate FBOs in three different categories; Independent, Small FBO Chain (Three to 10 locations) and Large FBO chain (11+ locations).
- Galaxy FBO’s Addison Airport location has improved from its #6 position in 2023 with 9.58 points to #1 Top US FBO in 2024 with 9.85 points.
The Professional Pilot Magazine’s PRASE Survey is an annual tabulation of customer opinions of aviation ground services. Executives in charge of flight departments, aviation managers, chief pilots, CEOs, and other qualified subscribers to Professional Pilot magazine are polled once a year to determine the PRASE Winners’ List, which is published annually on the May issue. The 2024 PRASE Survey was conducted online between September 2023 until March 31st, 2024.
Pro Pilot subscribers scored a total of 1258 US FBO selections from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) in 6 categories; Line Team, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Facility, Amenities, Promptness & Efficiency, and Value for Price. This provided a total of 7496 individual evaluations to arrive at the 2024 US FBO rankings.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated at this year’s annual Pro Pilot PRASE survey, naming Galaxy FBO the BEST in US.
Congratulations to our partners at World Fuel Services and Phillips 66 for being named ‘Best Fuel Brand’ and ‘Best Fuel Credit Card’.
For more information on Professional Pilot magazine, visit propilotmag.com
AeroExpo International Aviation Trade Show & Convention is one of the most important business aviation events in Latin America. Galaxy FBO team along with Tejas Aviation Services will be exhibiting at the Aero Expo between April 23rd and 25th. Make sure you visit Booth # 45 & 46 and meet the team!
La Convencion de AeroExpo Internacional de Aviacion es uno de los eventos de aviación ejecutiva más importantes de América Latina. El equipo de Galaxy FBO junto con Tejas Aviation Services, Inc., expositores en el stand #45 y #46 el 23 – 25 de abril 2024. No olvides visitarnos, Maria, Goretty, Susie, y Anita to vemos pronto!
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Dentro estos últimos 29 años la experiencia y dedicación de Tejas Aviation Services, Inc., ha resultado con mucho éxito para nuestros clientes en México y Latino América.
Tejas Aviation Services, Inc. se dedica a coordinar los siguientes servicios, desde inicio hasta la entrega de una aeronave a su base de operación:
- Compra – Venta de Aeronaves: Hawker/Beechcraft, Bombardier, Learjet, Gulfstream, Dassault Falcón, Cessna Citation, Embraer.
- Compra – Venta de Helicópteros: Bell, Airbus/Eurocopter, Agusta, Robinson.
- Inspecciones de Pre-Compra e Evaluaciones.
- Importación / Exportación de Aeronaves / Helicópteros.
- Cumplir con la Certificación e Instalacion FDR, ADSB-Out, WAAS/LPV, CPDLC / FANS 1/A.
- Cumplir con la Autorización de los “Permisos Overflight” a los Estados Unidos.
- Coordinación de sus Mantenimientos; Planeador, Motores, APU, y Accesorios.
Nos daría un gusto atenderlos y darles la “Bienvenida en el FBO de Galaxy HOU” en nuestra cuidad de Houston, Texas!!
Since 1981, Aviation International News has been ranking FBOs worldwide among qualified subscribers; pilots, flight attendants, and dispatchers the people who use or make arrangements. Today, a comprehensive list of 4,500+ FBOs worldwide are ranked in the AIN FBO Survey.
AIN readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities on a 1 to 5 scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives. To attain the highest overall rankings, an FBO must exhibit excellence across all five categories in the eyes of its AIN readers. Texas and Florida dominated the top 5 percent of the FBOs, with each state fielding five locations or one third of the top tier each.
Pentastar Aviation at Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) has received the highest score – 4.81 – in AIN’s annual FBO survey. Galaxy FBO Addison Airport (KADS) and Henriksen Jet Center at Houston Executive Airport (KTME) tied for fourth, with 4.74 overall score.
- Galaxy FBO Addison scored in the top 10 in three of the five categories, with the highest (4.80) for its facilities, followed by pilot amenities (4.76) and passenger amenities (4.72).
- Galaxy FBO at Conroe North Houston Regional (KCXO) scored 4.70, ranked as one of the top 5 percent in the AIN FBO Survey for the Americas.
In addition, Melissa Shollenbarger, our Regional Director of Sales was recognized for going “Above & Beyond” in the field of customer service this year in the AIN FBO Survey.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated at this year’s annual AIN FBO Survey, trusting us with high remarks.
Galaxy FBO Team
Aviation fuel quality control is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient aircraft operations. The aviation industry relies heavily on the proper functioning of aircraft engines, and any compromise in fuel quality can have serious consequences. Aviation fuel is susceptible to various contaminants, which can lead to corrosion, fuel system blockages, and other issues. Quality control helps identify and mitigate contamination risks, ensuring aviation.
Galaxy FBO hosted the two-day NATA’s Certified Quality Control Inspector Workshop at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport on February 7th and 8th. The workshop was instructed by NATA and other leading industry experts on aviation fuel quality control and refueling safety. Designed for those who receive, handle, store, and distribute aviation fuels, the course provided the essential knowledge and skills needed for safe operations and the delivery of clean fuel. Galaxy FBO Line Service Technicians from ADS, CXO and HOU attended this course to boost their quality control knowledge and to receive their accreditations.
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All participants gained hands-on experience and practical skills through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and case studies. Upon successful completion, attendees received 139.321(e)(1) Fuel Safety Supervisor Certification, a recognized credential within the aviation industry.
For more information on upcoming NATA events, visit nata.aero
Galaxy FBO recently hosted the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (aka, “COPA”) CPPP (COPA Pilot Proficiency Program) at the Conroe North Houston Regional (KCXO) Airport.
The Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) is a non-profit global organization made up of like-minded individuals looking to stay safe in the air and build relationships on the ground through the online and in-person sharing of real-world aviation experiences utilizing the Cirrus Aircraft.
Conroe North Houston Regional Airport based Cirrus Aircraft as a Platinum Training and Service Center partner, Tidal Aviation was a featured program partner for the event.
The CPPP (COPA Pilot Proficiency Program) is recurrent training program that focuses on Cirrus Aircraft specific education, safety, and flying proficiency for pilots, owners, and partners seeking to make the most of their Cirrus experience. The informative weekend-long events are tailored to the participant’s recurrent training requirements and include intense ground instruction, and hands-on flight instruction. In addition, all CPPP participants and their partners are attended social events at the Black Walnut Cafe, located on the third floor of the Galaxy FBO building.
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